Check Mate

One of the first international acts to crack the American disco market, Barrabas hailed from Spain and was led by Jo Tejada. Their sound was a combination of rock, Latin, and funk. Legend has it that David Mancuso stumbled across one of their records in his endless search for new and unknown tunes and was pleased enough with the groove to make them a fixture at the Loft. The song in question, "Woman," gave the band a new audience and was the first of several club favorites that also included "Checkmate" and "Hi Jack." In fact, their "Mellow Blow" is rumored to be the first promotional 12-inch single. Herbie Mann, in one of his first crossover attempts, did a cover version of "Hi Jack" on his Discotheque album. Later, Todd Terry would apply his trademark sample technique to "Woman" for an early 90s record.

Tracklisting:

1. Check Mate
2. Take a Wild Ride
3. Along the Shore
4. Make it Easy
5. Family Sice
6. Mellow Blow
7. Thank You Love
8. Four Seasons Woman